NEWS UPDATE – 27th October 2025

By: pHayward 27th October 2025

• The Choir Of Man – the producers of the Olivier award-nominated international smash hit musical that thrills audiences night after night in London’s West End, are delighted to announce the show’s inaugural UK Tour for 2026 which will run at Mayflower Theatre In Southampton from 3^rd to 7^th November 2026. It is the best trip to your local you’ll ever have. Here, a cast of nine (extra)ordinary guys combine beautiful harmonies and foot-stomping singalongs with world-class tap dance and soulful storytelling. Featuring hits from artists such as Queen, Luther Vandross, Sia, Paul Simon, Adele, Guns & Roses, Avicii and Katy Perry to name but a few, this uplifting celebration of community and friendship offers something for everyone – including free beer! This is feel-good, foot-stomping entertainment so good you’ll want to come back and see it again and again. The show started out at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2017 and now, after four years in London’s West End, Olivier Award recognition, and multiple tours across Europe, Australia, and the fourth U.S. national tour in 2026, the show finally goes on the road at home. The West End production continues to run at the Arts Theatre. The musical was created by Nic Doodson and Andrew Kay and is directed by Nic Doodson, with musical supervision, vocal arrangements and orchestrations by Jack Blume, movement direction and choreography by Freddie Huddleston, monologues written by Ben Norris, scenic design by Oli Townsend, lighting design by Richard Dinnen, costume design and co-scenic design by Verity Sadler, sound design by Sten Severson, casting by Debbie O’Brien. Casting to be announced. The UK Tour is produced by HH Productions, Nic Doodson, Andrew Kay, Global Creative and Kenny Wax.
• Toto the Ninja Cat and the Great Snake Escape – a new family musical based on Dermot O’Leary’s bestselling children’s book illustrated by Nick East, will premiere next year. The production, created by Little Angel Theatre, Mercury Theatre Colchester and Mayflower Southampton, opens at the Mercury Theatre Colchester from 2 to 18 April, before runs at Little Angel Theatre in London from 16 May to 19 July and Mayflower Studios from 23 to 26 July, followed by a UK tour. The story follows Toto, an almost-blind cat with secret ninja skills, who must save London after a deadly King Cobra escapes. Adapted for the stage by Little Angel’s artistic director Samantha Lane and musician Barb Jungr, the show will feature original music and puppetry (by Oliver Hymans), with lighting by Sherry Coenen. The tour will visit Bristol Redgrave (28 to 30 July), Birmingham Town Hall (15 to 16 August), Weymouth Pavilion (18 to 19 August), Guildford Yvonne Arnaud (20 to 23 August) and Capital Theatres Edinburgh (23 to 25 October), with further dates to follow.
• London Olympia Theatre – the Shubert Organization and Trafalgar Entertainment have announced a 50:50 joint venture partnership for the ownership and operation of the new 1,575-seat West London theatre set to open in 2027. The venue, under a 70-year lease with Trafalgar Entertainment, will be the largest new theatre to open in London since the National Theatre in 1976. It forms part of the £1.3 billion redevelopment of the 140-year-old Olympia exhibition site into a cultural and entertainment destination near the Royal Albert Hall. The partnership marks the first time in a century that the Shubert Organization, which owns 17 Broadway theatres, has invested directly in a London venue. The new Olympia Theatre has been designed to accommodate large-scale productions while maintaining an intimate auditorium layout. According to the team behind the project, designers have prioritised audience comfort and accessibility, with high-speed lifts, multiple entry points, extensive bar space, premium lounges, and wider seating and legroom than typical West End theatres. Facilities include more than 80 toilets across multiple levels. The Olympia redevelopment will also include exhibition and conference facilities for up to 20,000 people, a 4,000-capacity live music venue operated by AEG Presents, hotels, offices, restaurants, a school, and a community theatre. Partnerships with organisations such as The BRIT School will form part of the site’s broader cultural offer. The Olympia Theatre has been designed by Haworth Tompkins, with contributions from Charcoal Blue, Buro Happold, Robert Bird Group, Avison Young, and AECOM. Make One London is handling the fit-out. The wider Olympia redevelopment has been co-designed by Heatherwick Studio and SPPARC.
• Mayflower Theatre – Not to be outdone by London’s new Olympia Theatre, Mayflower Theatre Trust Board approved a capital investment of over £12 million on building works across the venue with new rehearsal space, new “Grid” above the stage and new toilets. With the challenges of running a Grade II listed building and as with many other theatres both in the West End and around the country Mayflower recognises that the toilet facilities have not been a great experience for customers. This refurbishment during the summer of 2026 will provide much improved new facilities for many years to come. The toilet refurbishment project will increase total capacity from 43 to 62 cubicles (including 12 new universal facilities), reintroduction of urinals in male toilets, and 30 additional wash basins.
• Glorious! – Matthew James Morrison will join Wendi Peters in the 20th anniversary UK tour of Peter Quilter’s play, which runs opens in February 2026. The play follows Florence Foster Jenkin’s preparations for a sold-out recital at Carnegie Hall, as she and her pianist defy critics and embrace her unconventional performances. The play earned an Olivier nomination in its original West End run starring Dame Maureen Lipman in 2005, later inspiring the film adaptation with Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant. Morrison, who recently completed a three-year stint on EastEnders as Felix Baker and his drag alter ego Tara Misu, will play Cosme McMoon. The cast also includes Caroline Gruber as Maria and Mrs Verrinder-Gedge, Sioned Jones as Dorothy (also covering Florence, as she did in the original West End production), Ella-Maria Danson as ASM/Cover Maria/Dorothy and Mrs Verrinder-Gedge, and Ryan Hall as ASM/Cover Cosme McMoon. The production is directed by Kirk Jameson, with design by Ingrid Hu, lighting by Mike Robertson, sound by Mark Goggins and wigs by Helen Keane. Musical supervision is by Nick Barstow, and casting by JJ Bee. It is produced by Thomas Hopkins, with co-producers Craig Haffner, Sherry Wright and Sams Entertainment. The tour marks the play’s 20th anniversary, following international productions in more than 30 countries and translations into 25 languages. The tour will visit Poole, Eastbourne, Derby, Ipswich, Windsor, Liverpool, Barnstaple, Malvern, Oxford, Basingstoke, Cheltenham, Guildford, Darlington, Coventry, Mold, Tunbridge Wells and Exeter.
• The Royal Variety Performance – returns to the Royal Albert Hall in London on Wednesday 19^th November in the presence of senior members of the Royal Family. This year, Jason Manford takes on the role of host for the evening. Opera singer Katherine Jenkins will lead with the National Anthem, followed by guest appearances from Stephen Fry, Tom Davis and Mick Miller, plus cast from the BBC series Dead Ringers. America’s Got Talent winners Adrian Stoica and his border collie, Hurricane, will make their British debut with a special choreographed routine. Also among the performers is Jessie J, who is scheduled to perform “I’ll Never Know Why” from her forthcoming album. Britain’s Got Talent winner Harry Moulding will present a magic illusion. The programme also features a performance from Madness, who will be making their debut appearance at the event, and a set from Grammy award-winner Laufey. The world of musical theatre is strongly represented by Sir Bob Geldof, Midge Ure and special guests who will introduce an incredible one-off performance from the Live Aid musical, Just For One Day, as they celebrate 40 years since the iconic concerts in London and Philadelphia. Strictly Come Dancing star Johannes Radebe will also take to the stage with a glittering extract frm the award-winning musical Kinky Boots. There will be an exclusive performance from the cast of the new show, Paddington The Musical, which will be introduced by composer Tom Fletcher. The long-running production Les Misérables will deliver a finale to mark its 40th anniversary, featuring 400 performers, including Michael Ball, Matt Lucas, Katy Secombe, Bradley Jaden, and Killian Donnelly, alongside the West End and Paris casts, plus amateur companies from across the UK. As ever, the event is in aid of the Royal Variety Charity, and the money raised will support those in the entertainment industry who are in need. The Royal Variety Performance will air on ITV later this year.
• Sylvia – the Olivier-nominated musical production from The Old Vic and ZooNation: The Kate Prince Company in association with Sadler’s Wells, will return to the stage in autumn 2026 for a limited UK tour followed by a short residency at the Royal Albert Hall. Beverley Knight is confirmed to reprise her Olivier Award-winning role as Emmeline Pankhurst, with Sharon Rose returning as Sylvia Pankhurst. The production celebrates the life and activism of Sylvia Pankhurst, the daughter of Emmeline, focusing on her work for working women and men across the globe, a period which led to conflict within her own family. The tour, produced in association with Curve Leicester, will open on Sep 24 2026 at Leicester Curve, followed by Birmingham Hippodrome from Oct 06 2026; Edinburgh Festival Theatre – Oct 12; Salford The Lowry – Oct 19; Norwich Theatre Playhouse – Oct 28; Canterbury Marlowe Theatre – Nov 02; London Royal Albert Hall – Nov 13 to Nov 15 2026 with five performances – this venue holds significance for the Suffragette movement, having hosted over 20 rallies for the cause and becoming the site of historic speeches, before the suffragettes were banned from the Hall between 1913 and 1918. The musical features music by Josh Cohen and DJ Walde, fusing hip hop, funk, and soul, and is choreographed and directed by Kate Prince of ZooNation. The full creative team includes Priya Parmar (book), Josh Cohenand DJ Walde (music), Ben Stones (set and costume), Natasha Chivers (lighting), Tony Gayle (sound), Andrzej Goulding (video and animation), Cynthia De La Rosa (wigs, hair and make-up), Lolita Chakrabarti (dramaturgy) and Sean Green (music supervisor). The production is supported by a grant from the Arts Council Incentivising Touring scheme.
• The Karate Kid – The Musical – will have its UK premiere next spring at New Wimbledon Theatre on 28 April 2026. The stage musical adapts the 1984 film starring Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita, which became a global hit and led to multiple sequels, a remake, and the Netflix series Cobra Kai. The latest instalment in the franchise, Karate Kid: Legends, featuring Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio, was released earlier this year. The new production is written by Robert Mark Kamen, who penned the original 1984 film, with music and lyrics by Drew Gasparini. It is directed by Amon Miyamoto with choreography by Keone and Mari Madrid. The creative team also includes scenic design by Derek McLane, costume design by Ayako Maeda, lighting design by Bradley King, sound design by Kai Harada, projection design by Peter Nigrini, orchestrations by John Clancy, music supervision and arrangements by Andrew Resnick, and wigs and hair design by Tommy Kurzman. It is produced by Naoya Kinoshita, Kumiko Yoshii, Kenny Wax and John Gore. From Wimbledon the musical will visit Manchester Palace Theatre; Leeds Grand Theatre and Opera House;Liverpool Empire Theatre; Oxford New Theatre; Milton Keynes Theatre; Theatre Royal Glasgow;Sheffield Theatres; SunderlandEmpire Theatre; Birmingham Alexandra Theatre and concluding atWales Millennium Centre.
• Freaky Friday – the UK premiere of the musical will open at HOME Manchester on 27 November 2025 and will run until 10 January 2026. Directed by Andy Fickman, the production features a book by Bridget Carpenter, music by Tom Kitt and lyrics by Brian Yorkey. The show is based on the 1972 novel by Mary Rodgers and the subsequent Disney film adaptations, including the recent sequel Freakier Friday. Leading the show will be Rebecca Lock, who plays Katherine, while her daughter Ellie will be played by Jena Pandya. They are joined by Ian Virgo as Mike, Samantha Ho as Gretchen, Beth Savill as Hannah, Jessica Butterworth as Savannah, Ellie Gilbert-Grey as Laurel, Max Mirza as Adam, Morgan Gregory as Parker, Dylan Gordon-Jones as Wells, Waylon Jacobs as Dr Ehrin, Tori Scott as Torrey, Katharine Pearson as Danielle, James Stirling as Grampa Jo, and Catherine Millsom as Grandma Helene. Child casting is to be revealed. The musical follows an overworked mother and her teenage daughter who magically swap bodies and must find a way to reverse the change within a day. Through the experience, they come to understand each other’s perspectives and the bond that unites them. The musical will be presented by Paul Taylor-Mills (The Lightning Thief, Heathers The Musical). The creative team includes choreographer Alexzandra Sarmiento (42 Balloons), associate choreographer Sam Wilson-Freeman (& Juliet), set and costume designer David Shields (Heathers The Musical), associate costume designer Reuben Speed (Doctor Faustus), lighting designer Nick Richings (La Cage Aux Folles), music supervisor and arranger Will Parker (Self Esteem presents A Complicated Woman), musical director George Strickland (The Book Thief), and associate director Ben Johnson (Nerds the Musical). Casting is by Will Burton with children’s casting by Keston and Keston.

NEWS UPDATE – 20th October 2025

By: pHayward 20th October 2025

• The Greatest Showman – has confirmed the world premiere of the stage musical next spring. Based on the 2017 film, the stage adaptation features songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, a book by Tim Federle, and direction and choreography by Casey Nicholaw. The production marks the first 20th Century Studios title to be adapted for the stage by Disney Theatrical Group. The production will premiere at Bristol Hippodrome from 15 March and run through to 10 May 2026. Completing the creative team are Alex Lacamoire (music supervision, incidental and dance music arrangements and orchestrations), David Korins (scenic design), Gregg Barnes and Sky Switser (costume design), Natasha Katz (lighting design), Peter Hylenski (sound design), George Reeve (video design), Lorenzo Pisoni (circus creation and design), Josh Marquette (hair and wig design), Milagros Medina-Cerdeira (make up design), Jeremy Chernick (special effects design), Skylar Fox (illusions), Natalie Gallacher for Pippa Ailion and Natalie Gallacher Casting (casting director) and Keston and Keston (children’s general manager and casting director). Paul is also providing vocal and incidental music arrangements. The leading company is formed of Oliver Tompsett (P T Barnum), Samantha Barks (Charity Barnum), Lorna Courtney (Anne Wheeler), Ben Joyce (Phillip Carlyle), Vajèn van den Bosch (Jenny Lind) and Malinda Parris (Lettie Lutz). The cast also includes the following as Caroline/Young Charity: Mia Raggio, Angelica Pearl Scott and Maya Sewrey; and as Helen: Harly Gill, Ellie McArdle and Eleanor Sebastian. Young Barnum is played by Max Bispham, Joel Tennant and Clark Young. Roudning out the named cast are Josh St Clair (Alternate PT Barnum) and Katie Tonkinson (Standby Anne Wheeler). Making up the ensemble are Derek Aidoo, Cornelius Atkinson, Matt Bateman, Nikki Bentley, Courtenay Brady, Thea Bunting, Amara Campbell, Jonathan Cordin, Angus Good, Ryesha Higgs, Barney Hudson, Annie Knight, Nathan Louis-Fernand, Liam Marcellino, Ayesha Maynard, Suzie McAdam, Emily McCarthy, Will Meager, Michael Patterson, Stuart Matthew Price, Emile Ruddock, Annie Southall, Zoe Schubert, with Abigail Climer, Bobby Cookson, Katrina Dix, Zack Guest, Georgie Hutchinson, Fallon Mondlane, Stephen Rolley, Jess Smith, Blake Tuke, Santino Zapico as Swings. It is anticipated that an announcement concerning a West End transfer is likely in the near future.
• Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show! – has announced casting for the ongoing tour. Jason Donovan will be reprising his role as Frank-N-Furter for certain dates. Brad will be played by James Bisp, Janet by Haley Flaherty, Riff Raff by Ryan Carter-Wilson and Magenta/Usherette by Laura Bird. Columbia will be played by Daisy Steere, Rocky by Morgan Jackson, Eddie/Dr Scott by Edward Bullingham and the role of the Narrator will be shared between comedian Nathan Caton and Motherland star Jackie Clune. Completing the cast are Phantoms Jesse Chidera, Nathan Zach Johnson, Tyla Dee Nurden and Bethany Amber Perrins, with on-stage swing/dance captain David Peter-Brown and on-stage swing/assistant dance captain Lucy Aiston. Directed by Christopher Luscombe, the show will open in Edinburgh from 6 January, before visiting Sheffield, Sunderland, Ipswich, Bromley, Leicester, Wolverhampton, Cambridge, Liverpool, Eastbourne, Aylesbury, Cardiff, Glasgow, Birmingham and Bristol. Donovan will be appearing in Edinburgh, Liverpool, Eastbourne and Bristol next year.
• Caroline: A New Musical – inspired by the story of pirate radio station Radio Caroline will tour East Anglia in 2026. Written by Vikki Stone and directed by Douglas Rintoul and Alex Thorpe, the production follows Caroline, a young woman whose life changes when her boyfriend takes a job with Radio Caroline, the offshore station that broadcast pop and rock music from a ship off the Essex coast during the 1960s. The musical features a cast of actor-musicians and includes songs from the period. It will premiere at the New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich on 17 April 2026 before visiting Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch (6 to 16 May), New Theatre Peterborough (19 to 23 May), Mercury Theatre Colchester (3 to 13 June) and Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds (16 to 20 June). The show is produced by the East Anglian Touring Consortium, a new partnership between Eastern Angles, HighTide, Landmark Theatres, Mercury Theatre Colchester, New Wolsey Theatre, Norwich Theatre, Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch and Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds. Supported by Arts Council England, the consortium aims to create original work that supports local talent and reaches audiences across the region.
• Redcliffe – a new musical by Jordan Luke Gage, will open at Southwark Playhouse Borough for a limited run from 22 May to 4 July 2026. Following eight sold-out workshop performances at the Other Palace in 2024, the show will now be fully staged, with Gage returning to star as William, the role he first played during the workshop. Set in 18th-century Bristol, Redcliffe is inspired by the true story of William Critchard and Richard Arnold, and follows a romance between two men in a time of persecution. William, from humble beginnings, meets sailor Richard, a chance encounter that changes both their lives. The musical features book, music and lyrics by Gage and has been developed with support from MTFestUK, the Other Palace and Bill Kenwright Limited. Further casting and creative team will be announced. The production is presented by Paul Taylor-Mills, artistic director of the Other Palace, whose previous credits include Heathers the Musical, My Son’s A Queer (But What Can You Do?), In The Heights and Side Show.
• Priscilla Queen of the Desert – embarks on a UK, Ireland, and international tour from February 2026, opening at the Palace Theatre in Manchester. It is directed by Olivier Award-nominated Ian Talbot, choreographed by Matt Cole, with set and lighting design by Andrew Exeter. Strictly Come Dancing’s BAFTA award-winning costume designer Vicky Gill and her team have designed and created over 100 costumes for the production. The team also includes Sam Holmes (associate director), Ben Harrison (sound designer), Leo Flint (video designer), Craig Forrest-Thomas (hair and make up designer,) and David Grindrod for Grindrod Burton Casting (casting). The production is led by producers Mark Goucher and Matthew Gale, whose previous credits include Hairspray The Musical, The Full Monty, and Shrek the Musical, and Gavin Kalin, in association with Nullarbor Productions and MGM on Stage. As already revealed, Adèle Anderson will play the role of Bernadette, while joining her are Kevin Clifton as Tick/Mitzi, Nick Hayes as Felicia/Adam, and Peter Duncan as Bob/Preacher. Also in the company are Dakota Starr (Priscilla The Party, Fisherman’s Friends The Musical) as alternate Bernadette, Leah Vassell (Oliver!, Kinky Boots) as Diva 1, Bernadette Bangura (Moulin Rouge!) as Diva 2, Jessie May (Beetlejuice) as Diva 3 and Shirley, Gary Lee (Ghost) as Miss Understanding, Billie Hardy (Chicago) as Marion, Isabella Glanzing Santos (Frozen) as Cynthia, Sario Solomon (If/Then) as Jimmy, Jak Allen-Anderson (Addams Family) as Farrah/Young Bernadette, and Alexander Emery (Come Fall in Love) as Frank. The ensemble cast is completed by Michael Afemaré, Tia Antoine-Charles, Olivia Bella, Alexander Gage, Fionan O’Carroll, Nathan Ryles, Samuel Stokes and Mary Suarez. The tour will visit the Palace Theatre in Manchester from 19 to 28 February, King’s Theatre in Glasgow from 2 to 7 March, Liverpool Empire from 9 to 14 March, Mayflower Theatre in Southampton from 16 to 21 March, Birmingham Hippodrome from 23 to 28 March, Norwich Theatre Royal from 30 March to 4 April, Theatre Royal in Newcastle from 6 to 11 April, Edinburgh Playhouse from 14 to 18 April, Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff from 20 to 25 April, Royal Concert Hall in Nottingham from 28 April to 2 May, Aylesbury Theatre from 4 to 9 May, New Victoria in Woking from 11 to 16 May, The Marlowe in Canterbury from 25 to 30 May, Grand Opera House in Belfast from 1 to 6 June, Bord Gáis Energy Theatre in Dublin from 8 to 13 June, Theatre Royal in Brighton from 16 to 20 June, Curve Theatre in Leicester from 22 to 27 June, Alhambra Theatre in Bradford from 6 to 11 July, and Hall for Cornwall in Truro from 14 to 18 July.
• Cats – will be revived next summer for a major UK tour which will launch at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in July. It will be directed and choreographed by Drew McOnie, The show will run at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre from 25 July to 12 September, with a press night on 6 August. After that, it will tour opening on Oct 06 2026 to Oct 17 2026 at Theatre Royal Plymouth; Oct 20 2026 to Oct 24 2026 Hull New Theatre; Oct 27 2026 to Nov 07 2026 Birmingham Hippodrome; Nov 10 2026 to Nov 21 2026 Manchester Palace Theatre; Nov 24 2026 to Nov 28 2026 Bristol Hippodrome; Dec 01 2026 to Dec 05 2026 Llandudno Venue Cymru; Dec 08 2026 to Dec 27 2026 Theatre Royal Glasgow. More dates will be announced shortly.
• The Sound of Music – which returns to Pitlochry Festival Theatre from 14 November to 21 December has announced full casting. Kirsty Findlay will reprise her award-winning performance as Maria Rainer, alongside Ali Watt as Captain Georg von Trapp. Returning to the company are Kate Milner Evans as Mother Abbess, Ellen Lawford as Baroness Elberfeld and Sister Sophia, Lydia Barton Lovett as Sister Margaretta, and Trudy Ward as Frau Schmidt. New additions to the cast include Miiya Alexandra as Elsa Schraeder and Sister Berthe, Oliver Nazareth Aston as Max Detweiler, Lauren MacDonald as Liesl von Trapp, and Lawrence Smith as Rolf Gruber. They are joined by Eden Barrie, Ru Hamilton, David Joseph Healy, Gary Mitchinson, Emma Jane Morton, and Alex Terry, who will play a range of supporting and ensemble roles. The von Trapp children will be played by a rotating young company featuring Rowan Kennedy, Anna Rose Loughran, Rebecca Littlejohn, Isla MacGregor, Ross Martin, Joseph Miranda, Theo Miranda, Molly Morris, Tanvi Reddy, Leva Stewart, Hannah Watt, and Niamh Wishart. The Rodgers and Hammerstein musical will be directed by the theatre’s associate director Sam Hardie, following Elizabeth Newman’s acclaimed 2024 production.
• Moulin Rouge! the Musical – the world tour continues apace – and new stops have now been added. The musical is based on the turn-of-the-century film about a Parisian courtesan who falls in love with a writer. After it’s run at Birmingham Hippodrome which opens on 15 October 2025, the show heads to Dublin and then Switzerland, returning to the UK for three additional dates in 2026 – Sunderland Empire (5 to 27 June), Liverpool Empire (2 July to 8 August), Theatre Royal Plymouth (20 August to 19 September) and Mayflower Theatre in Southampton (24 September to 24 October).
• My Fair Lady – a new revival which will close The Mill at Sonning’s 2025 season playing from 20 November 2025 to 17 January 2026. The production has announced its casting. Set to lead the cast are Simbi Akande as Eliza Doolittle and Nadim Naaman as Henry Higgins. They’ll be joined by Jo Servi as Colonel Pickering, Mark Moraghan as Alfred P Doolittle, Francesca Ellis as Mrs Pearce/Mrs Eynsford-Hill, Christopher Parkinson as Zoltan Karpathy, Alfie Blackwell as Freddy Eynsford-Hill, Sophie-Louise Dann as Mrs Higgins/Mrs Hopkins, Conor McFarlane as Jamie, and James William-Pattison as Harry. Forming the ensemble are Zaynah Ahmed, Imogen Bailey, Emma Fraser, and Nadia Kramer. Lerner and Loewe’s musical, will be directed and choreographed by Joseph Pitcher. They will be joined by set designer Diego Pitarch, costume designer Natalie Titchener, sound designer Chris Whybrow, lighting designer Jamie Platt, music supervisor and arranger Charlie Ingles, musical director Nick Tudor, co-choreographer Alex Christian, assistant director Matthew Jeans, and casting director Jane Deitch.
• The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time – a new production will open at Birmingham Rep in September 2026 before embarking on a major UK tour. The play, adapted by Simon Stephens from Mark Haddon’s best-selling novel, will be directed by Ned Bennett and co-produced by Melting Pot and the Birmingham Rep. Following its Birmingham run, the production will visit Woking’s New Victoria Theatre from 22 to 26 September, Brighton’s Theatre Royal from 29 September to 3 October, Milton Keynes Theatre from 6 to 19 October, Nottingham’s Theatre Royal from 13 to 17 October, Leicester’s Curve Theatre from 20 to 24 October, York’s Grand Opera House from 27 to 31 October, Liverpool’s Empire Theatre from 3 to 7 November, and Bath’s Theatre Royal from 24 to 28 November. Further dates for 2027 will be announced. Full casting and creative team for the new production will be announced in due course.

NEWS UPDATE – 13th October 2025

By: pHayward 13th October 2025

• Kiss Of The Spiderwoman – producers Mayflower Southampton, Curve and Bristol Old Vic have today revealed Layton Williams and George Blagden will join the cast of John Kander and Fred Ebb’s ground-breaking musical, as prisoners Molina and Valentin. Williams made his West End debut at the age of 12 when he starred as Billy in Billy Elliot The Musical. Earlier this year he won the Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical for his part in Titanique. Layton’s credits include, The Car Man & Lord Of The Flies with Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures company and his other stage credits include Thriller Live (Lyric Theatre), Rent (The Other Palace), Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (Apollo and UK and Ireland tour) and Cabaret (Kit Kat Club). Blagden is best known for his film roles including Les Miserables and Wrath Of The Titans. While on stage his credits include playing PJ in Company at the Gielgud Theatre and Damis in Tartuffe at the Theatre Royal Haymarket and White Christmas. Williams and Blagden join the previously announced Anna-Jane Casey who plays Aurora, the legendary actress who embodies the Spider Woman of Molina’s fantasies. This is the first major UK revival of the musical since 1992. The production will be directed by Paul Foster (A Little Night Music, Watermill Theatre and Kiss Me, Kate, (Sheffield Crucible) and will run in Curve’s Studio Theatre 3 to 25 April, at Bristol Old Vic 29 April to 16 May and at Mayflower Studios 2 to 6 June. This revival is directed by Paul Foster, with Choreographer Joanna Goodwin (My Fair Lady, Curve), Set Designer David Woodhead (Titanic, UK and international tours), Abigail’s Party, Curve), Olivier and Tony Award-winning Costume Designer Gabriella Slade (Six The Musical), Tony Award-winning Orchestrator and Arranger Sarah Travis (Miss Littlewood, Rsc, Beautiful – The Carole King Musical, An Officer And A Gentleman, both at Curve and on UK tour), Lighting Designer Howard Hudson (Starlight Express, Troubadour Theatre, A Chorus Line, Curve), Sound Designer Matt Peploe (Robin Hood, London Palladium, Indigo, Curve) and Casting Director Stuart Burt CDG (Sunset Boulevard, Savoy Theatre and St James Theatre, Cabaret, Kit Kat Club). Further casting will be announced in due course.
• UK Theatre Awards 2025 – the winners have been announced. Sponsored by Encore, the annual event celebrates creative achievement both on and off stage across the UK. They were revealed at this year’s ceremony, which was hosted by Faye Tozer. Full list of winners and nominees:
• Best Musical Production sponsored by Tysers Live 
  • – Becoming Nancy, a Birmingham Rep production
  • Come Fall In Love, a Yash Raj Films production at Opera House Manchester 
  • – The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, a Chichester Festival Theatre production  
  • Winner: Jesus Christ Superstar, a Watermill Theatre production by arrangement with The Really Useful Group Ltd 
• Best New Play sponsored by Ecclesiastical 
  • – Grace Pervades, a Theatre Royal Bath, Len Blavatnik and Danny Cohen for Access Entertainment and Second Half Productions co-production 
  • – Through The Shortbread Tin, a National Theatre of Scotland production 
  • Winner: Flumps, a Mercury Original production in association with The Thelmas 
• Best Play Revival 
  • – The Constant Wife, a Royal Shakespeare Company production in association with David Pugh Ltd 
  • – Our New Girl, a Lyric Theatre Belfast production 
  • Winner: Animal Farm, a Leeds Playhouse and Stratford East co-production in association with Nottingham Playhouse 
• Best Director 
  • – Nadia Fall for Abigail’s Party, a Stratford East production 
  • – Theresa Heskins and Vicki Amedume for Angela Carter’s The Company Of Wolves, a New Vic Theatre production 
  • Winner: Prasanna Puwanarajah for Twelfth Night, a Royal Shakespeare Company production  
• Best Performance in a Musical 
  • – Molly Lynch for My Fair Lady, a Curve production 
  • – Dawn Sievewright for Wild Rose, a Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh, Caledonia Productions and Gavin Kalin Productions co-production 
  • Winner: Rakesh Boury and Rebecca McKinnis for The Parent Agency, a Scenario Two and Storyhouse co-production 
• Best Performance in a Play 
  • – Helen Carter for Shirley Valentine, a Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse production 
  • – Michael Patrick for Richard III, a Lyric Theatre Belfast production  
  • Winner: Jack Holden for Kenrex, an Aria Entertainment and Sheffield Theatres co- production 
• Best Supporting Performance (in a Musical or Play) 
  • – Sam Buttery for Little Shop Of Horrors, a Sheffield Theatres production 
  • – Ntombizodwa Ndlovu for Marie And Rosetta, a Chichester Festival Theatre, Rose Theatre and ETT co-production 
  • – Thea-Jo Wolfe for The Mad Ones, an Electric Press Productions and Samantha Creswick co-production at The Other Palace Studio 
  • Winner: Georgie Henley for The Ministry Of Lesbian Affairs, a Kiln Theatre, Antic Productions and Damsel Productions co-production 
• Best Design 
  • – Yoav Segal for Set and Costume Design for Pinocchio, a Watermill Theatre production 
  • – Grace Smart for Design for Spend, Spend, Spend, a Royal Exchange Theatre production 
  • Winner: Kei Ishihara for Scenography, Sacico Ito for Costume Design, Simon Wilkinson for Lighting Designand Ailie Cohen for Puppet Design for Confessions Of A Shinagawa Monkey, a Vanishing Point and Kanagawa Arts Theatre co- production in association with Tramway at Dundee Rep 
• Best Show for Children and Young People 
  • – The Jingleclaw, a Birmingham Hippodrome production  
  • – The Jungle Book, an Octagon Theatre Bolton production 
  • Winner: Pig Heart Boy, a Children’s Theatre Partnership, Unicorn Theatre and Sheffield Theatres co-production 
• Achievement in Dance 
  • – BalletLorent for Snow White/Snow White: The Sacrifice 
  • – Songs Of The Wayfarer by Claire Cunningham 
  • – StopGap for Lived Fiction 
  • Winner: Natural Behaviour by Thick & Tight 
• Achievement in Opera 
  • – Opera North for Simon Boccanegra, an Opera North production
  • – Scottish Opera for Trial By Jury, a co-production by Scottish Opera, D’Oyly Carte Opera and Opera Holland Park and A Matter Of Misconduct!, a co-production by Scottish Opera and D’Oyly Carte Opera
  • Winner: Welsh National Opera for Peter Grimes, a Welsh National Opera production
• Excellence in Arts Education 
  • – Bristol Hippodrome
  • – Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse
  • Winner: Lyric Hammersmith Theatre for Cross The Line
• Excellence in Touring sponsored by Theatre Tokens 
  • – Emma Rice Company
  • – National Theatre of Scotland
  • Winner: Theatre by the Lake for Steel
• Excellence in Inclusivity sponsored by ATG Entertainment 
  • – Birmingham Hippodrome
  • – New Wolsey Theatre
  • Winner: Storyhouse
• Excellence in Sustainability 
  • – ATG Entertainment  
  • – Northern Broadsides Theatre Company 
  • Winner: BEAM, Hertford  
• Excellence in Workforce Culture 
  • – Stephen Joseph Theatre  
  • – Theatr Clwyd 
  • Winner: Orchard Theatre and Orchard West 
• UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre sponsored by Encore 
  • – Birmingham Rep
  • – Shakespeare North Playhouse
  • Winner: Royal and Derngate
• Outstanding Contribution to British Theatre Award
  • Winner: Carlos Acosta, director of the Birmingham Royal Ballet.
• Ben Lewis – the West End star of The Phantom of the Opera and Company, has died aged 46. The news was confirmed by friend, tennis star and TV presenter Todd Woodbridge, who posted a tribute to Lewis on his social media channels. Lewis played a coterie of major roles across the world, appearing in the long-running West End production of The Phantom of the Opera and playing the Phantom in the original Australian production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Love Never Dies. Other West End credits include Larry in Marianne Elliott’s award-winning production of Company (photographed above) as well as the UK tours of Love Me Tender and The Bodyguard. Diagnosed with bowel cancer in February 2023, Lewis launched a fundraiser over the summer for himself and his wife. A tribute came from Cameron Mackintosh, who said: “It is a tremendous shock to hear the tragic news that the hugely talented Ben Lewis has passed away at the young age of 46. Ben was a towering presence and a great company leader when he played the title role of the Phantom in his native Australia and then again at His Majesty’s Theatre in London. Amongst his many other leading roles, Ben was especially impressive as the stoic, handsome long-suffering husband to Patti LuPone’s explosive vodka stinger laced Joanne in the recent Company revival at the Gielgud Theatre. Ben will be sorely missed by his many friends in theatre all over the world.
• Mayflower Podcast – Mayflower Theatre & Mayflower Studios have launched a brand-new podcast that aims to shine a light on stories both on and beyond the stage. The first episode has been released and features stars of Mayflower Theatre’s pantomime – The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan; Alexandra Burke and Dr Ranj, alongside Michael Ockwell, Chief Executive of Mayflower. The next podcast episode will drop 5 November. Each episode will offer a mix of show-based interviews, highlights from Mayflower’s impact work, and a peek into the parts of Mayflower that audiences don’t usually get to hear about, including more about their charity status. As a registered charity, surplus revenue from ticket sales and charitable donations goes to fund innovative, ambitious and inclusive community and education projects, to attract widespread interest and support from the performing arts sector with the aim to be creative hubs and centres of excellence for culture in Southampton and to preserve and maintain our venues for the community. Spotlights will put untold stories centre stage alongside exciting interviews from cast members and creatives of shows as well as shining a spotlight on the dedicated individuals who make Mayflower so special. Mayflower Spotlights Podcast can be listened to on Spotify, Apple or watched on YouTube and will be available here: :https://linktr.ee/MayflowerSpotlightsPodcast.
• Wilton’s Music Hall – has announced its spring 2026 season. A new musical Ruth (18 to 28 March), from Ruth Theatre Productions, will dramatise the life of Ruth Ellis, the last woman executed in Britain, marking 70 years since her death. With a score by John Cameron, Francis Rockliff and James Reader, and lyrics by Caroline Slocock and Cameron, it reimagines her story as a noir-inspired piece about class and gender. The season begins with The Fourth Choir’s adaptation of The Dead by James Joyce (20 to 22 January), combining Irish folk songs and contemporary compositions under music director Jamie Powe. Comedian Rob Newman follows (23 January) with Where the Wild Things Were, and Steve Pretty presents On the Origin of the Pieces (24 January), exploring global musical traditions, with a family-friendly matinee version earlier in the day. Later in January, the Brian Clemens Jazz Orchestra featuring Francesca Confortini (27 to 28 January) performs a programme of cinematic classics, and Dillie Keane returns with Still Curious (29 to 30 January), an evening of songs and reflections. February opens with Debate: Baldwin vs Buckley (3 to 7 February), presented by the american vicarious, restaging the 1965 Cambridge Union debate between author James Baldwin and conservative thinker William F Buckley Jr. Liza Pulman and Joe Stilgoe’s Hooray for Hollywood (10 February) celebrates film musicals, while Dead Poets Live stages Wallace Stevens (11 and 13 February), bringing the poet’s work to life. The Players’ Theatre presents Magnificent Music Hall: Love is in the Air (12 February), and Charles Court Opera returns with Iolanthe (17 to 28 February), Gilbert and Sullivan’s satire of power and politics. John Godber’s Do I Love You? (3 to 7 March), a Northern Soul-inspired musical, follows three young people through Britain’s club scene from Hull to Blackpool. OneTrackMinds (10 March) returns with personal stories inspired by music, and Tiddley Pom! (11 March) offers a music hall variety show led by Ida Barr and Tom Carradine. The season closes with Kate Butch: Choose Your Own Cabaret (8 to 9 April), where audiences help shape each night’s performance.

NEWS UPDATE – 6th October 2025

By: pHayward 6th October 2025

• Dame Patricia Routledge – star of stage and screen, has died aged 96. Before her profile became globally synonymous with the highly-strung Hyacinth Bucket in the phenomenally successful BBC sitcom Keeping Up Appearances (1990 to 95), she was a wildly successful stage star. After her 1952 debut as Hippolyta in A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Liverpool Playhouse, early roles included Adriana in a 1956 musical version of The Comedy of Errors and the title role in the West End production of the operetta spoof, Little Mary Sunshine (1962). She would later star in Leonard Bernstein’s ill-fated 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue (1976), a collaboration Bernstein later recalled favourably. She won a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her performance in Broadway’s Darling of the Day (1968), as well as an Olivier Award for the same category for her turn in Scottish Opera’s staging of Bernstein’s Candide (1988). She also played Nettie Fowler in the National Theatre’s production of Carousel (1992). Routledge also spent time with the Royal Shakespeare Company and appeared in Restoration comedies, notably at Chichester Festival Theatre in productions like The Country Wife and The Magistrate (1969). On screen, beyond Hyacinth, she starred as the pragmatic sleuth in Hetty Wainthropp Investigates. She also appeared in several of Alan Bennett’s poignant Talking Heads monologues. In later life she was a resident at the city’s Wellington Grange Care Home, never married and had no children. She lived a quiet life in the city and was closely connected to the Chichester Cathedral. When she turned 90, the actress helped to raise money for the cathedral roof.
• Starlight Express – with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s award-winning musical extending its run through 19 April 2026 at the Starlight Auditorium at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, new lead casting ha been announced. The company comprises Scott Hayward as Rusty, Jade Marvin as Momma McCoy, Olivia Ringrose as Greaseball, Asher Forth as Electra, Sophie Naglik as Pearl and Georgia Pemberton as Dinah and Jaydon Vijn as Hydra. Control is played by Aanya Devi Sharma, Christopher Azzopardi, George Jones, Shayan Ghai and Mila Isaacs.
• Mean Girls – the upcoming UK tour has added the final dates to the musical’s schedule. The tour kicks off on 23 Feb at Manchester Opera House and after visiting Cardiff, Stike, Sunderland, Milton Keynes, Eastbourne, Woking, Leicester, Aberdeen, Cheltenham, Hull, Bournemouth, Belfast, Wolverhampton, Glasgow, Llandudno, Southend, Canterbury, Blackpool, Dublin, Bristol, Crawley, Bradford, Norwich, Liverpool, Nottingham, Sheffield, Edinburgh, Wimbledon and will now visit Birmingham Alexandra Theatre (for the 2026 Christmas season), Oxford and Southampton, ending in Newcastle on 30 January 2027.
• The Spy Who Came in from the Cold – The stage adaptation of John le Carré’s novel will embark on a major UK tour in 2026. The novel, named by Time Magazine as one of the All-Time 100 Novels, has been in print for over six decades but this marks the first time any of le Carré’s works has been adapted for the stage. Adapted for the stage by David Eldridge and directed by Jeremy Herrin.The creative team includes designer Max Jones, lighting designer Azusa Ono, sound designer Elizabeth Purnell, composer Paul Englishby and movement director Lucy Cullingford. General Management is by Second Half Productions with Melting Pot as executive producer for the UK tour which will follow a 14-week West End run at @sohoplace from 17 November 2025 to 21 February 2026. The tour will open at Leicester Curve on 12 March 2026 and then vivit Malvern Theatres (18 to 21 March), Churchill Theatre Bromley (24 to 28 March), New Victoria Theatre Woking (31 March to 4 April), Everyman Theatre Cheltenham (14 to 18 April), Edinburgh Festival Theatre (21 to 25 April), Wales Millennium Centre (28 April to 2 May), Sheffield Lyceum (5 to 9 May), Liverpool Playhouse (12 to 16 May), Richmond Theatre (19 to 23 May), Theatre Royal Glasgow (26 to 30 May), Theatre Royal Brighton (2 to 6 June), York Grand Opera House (9 to 13 June), Norwich Theatre Royal (16 to 20 June), Nottingham Theatre Royal (23 to 27 June), The Alexandra Birmingham (30 June to 4 July), Newcastle Theatre Royal (7 to 11 July), Milton Keynes Theatre (14 to 18 July), The Lowry, Salford (23 to 25 July), Cambridge Arts (28 July to 1 August) and Bath Theatre Royal (11 to 22 August).
• Oh, Mary – Cole Escola’s show opens this winter at London’s Trafalgar Theatre on 3 December and is currently booking until 25 April 2026. Casting has been announced with Mason Alexander Park, in the title role of Mary Todd Lincoln, joined by a cast including Kate O’Donnell as Mary’s Chaperone, Oliver Stockley as Mary’s Husband’s Assistant, with Dino Fetscher as Mary’s Teacher and Giles Terera as Mary’s Husband. The creative team includes scenic designer dots, costume designer Holly Pierson, lighting designer Cha See, sound designer and composer Daniel Kluger, sound designer Drew Levy, wig designer Leah J Loukas, props supervisor Addison Heeren, and arranger David Dabbon. Casting is by Stuart Burt.
• Just For One Day – the Live Aid musical has announced its closing date. Written by best-selling author John O’Farrell (Mrs Doubtfire, Something Rotten!) and directed by Luke Sheppard (& Juliet, The Little Big Things), the musical had its world premiere at the Old Vic. Its final performance will be on 7 February 2026.
• Pinocchio – Shakespeare’s Globe will host a new musical adaptation of the story on its main stage over the Christmas period, opening on 29^th November. Directed by Sean Holmes, with book and lyrics by Charlie Josephine (Cowbois) and music and lyrics by Jim Fortune (Mr Gum and the Dancing Bear). The cast comprises Lee Braithwaite as Pinocchio, Jennifer Caldwell as Ensemble / Swing, Michael Elcock as Carpenter / Rabbit Prince Charming, Kerry Frampton as Fox, Jamal Franklin as Ensemble / Swing, Ed Gaughan as Stromboli, Nick Holder as Geppetto, Lizzy Ives as Ensemble / Swing, Lucy McCormick as Blue Fairy / Cat, Kody Mortimer as Ensemble / Swing, and Steven Webb as Jiminy Cricket / Coachman. Stan Middleton, Aya Nakamura and Andrea Sadler join the company as puppeteers. Pinocchio was cast by Becky Paris, head of casting at Shakespeare’s Globe.
• Already Perfect – a new musical written by and starring Tony Award winner Levi Kreis will open the spring 2026 season at London’s King’s Head Theatre where it will run from 9 January to 15 February. Produced by Broadway drummer and Tony Award-winning producer Larry Lelli, the show is set in a theatre dressing room and explores themes of religion and LGBTQ+ identity. The season will run from January to August and features a second musical, this time the world premiere of Here Comes J Edgar – A Musical Comedy, co-written by satirist Harry Shearer and Tom Leopold, with music by Peter Matz. Directed by Josh Seymour, the show explores the private life of FBI Director J Edgar Hoover through the lens of a 1950s-style musical. It runs from 10 July to 16 August. The programme marks the third year since the theatre’s move to its new 220-seat venue in 2024.
• Fame – Theatre Royal Plymouth, in association with Jamie Wilson Productions, has announced a “bold, new” production of the musical. Running at the Plymouth venue from 28 July to 15 August 2026, the production will be directed and choreographed by Tom Jackson Greaves, with design by Soutra Gilmour. The show marks the 30th anniversary of Fame’s European premiere at Theatre Royal Plymouth in 1995. That production went on to run for more than a decade in the West End, toured internationally and helped establish the stage version of the 1980 film as a global success. The new revival will feature songs from the original movie alongside Jose Fernandez’s book, Jacques Levy’s lyrics and Steve Margoshes’ score. Set in Manhattan in 1980, Fame follows a group of students at New York’s High School of Performing Arts from enrolment to graduation, exploring their ambitions and challenges through music, drama and dance.
• The Devil Wears Prada – the musical has extended its London premiere run at the Dominion Theatre until 26 September 2026 and has announced a casting update. Joining the show from 21 October and taking over from Georgie Buckland and Amy Di Bartolomeo will be Stevie Doc and Taila Halford, playing the roles of Andy and Emily respectively. Keelan McAuley will take over the role of Nate, beginning from the same date. Joining the ensemble are Alex Woodward (also playing Hot Nurse), Anta Bah, Dean Makowshi-Clayton, Georgia Aspinall, Harry Tunningley, Jenna Bonner, Joshua Robinson, Justin-Lee Jones, Kimberley Hoyle, Mark Lamb, Selina Hamilton and Xenoa Campbell-Ledgister. With dates confirmed until 18 April 2026, Vanessa Williams will continue as Miranda Priestly. As will Matt Henry as Nigel and James Darch as Christian. Completing the cast are Gabby Antrobus, Selena Barron, Evonnee Bentley-Holder, Pamela Blair, Lloyd Davies, Jinny Gold, Luke Jackson, Emma Johnson, Debbie Kurup (as alternate Miranda Priestley), Brandon Lee Sears, Nathan Lorainey-Dineen, Shannon Molloy, Eleanor Peach, Ethan Le Phong, Joshua Steel, Kayleigh Thadani and Tara Yasmin. Featuring a score by Elton John, Shaina Taub (Suffs), and Mark Sonnenblick (K-Pop Demon Hunters), a book by Kate Wetherhead (Burlesque the Musical), and direction and choreography by Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots), the production features set design by Tim Hatley (Back to the Future), costume design by Gregg Barnes (Legally Blonde), lighting design by Bruno Poet (Tina – The Tina Turner Musical), sound design by Gareth Owen (& Juliet).
• Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage will be touring the UK and Ireland from summer 2026. The production will be directed by Federico Bellone and choreographed by Austin Wilks and is written by Eleanor Bergstein, who penned the original 1987 screenplay and produced by Sydow in association with Lionsgate, Magic Hour Productions, and Ivan MacTaggart, co-producer for Freedom Riders. The tour will kick off on 27 August 2026 in Milton Keynes. After that, it will visit Liverpool, Blackpool, Sunderland, Manchester, Oxford, Glasgow, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Hull, Stoke-on-Trent, Sheffield, Norwich, Aberdeen, Newcastle, Derry, Belfast, and Wimbledon.
• Sherlock Holmes and The Twelve Days of Christmas – Birmingham Rep has announced the full casting for the world premiere of the new musical show that will run from 14 November 2025 to 11 January 2026, the new comedy whodunnit is written by Humphrey Ker and David Reed and features original songs by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Directed by Phillip Breen and Becky Hope-Palmer, the play is set in Victorian London during Christmas. In the West End, a series of performers die mid-scene, and Scotland Yard rules out foul play until Sherlock Holmes discovers a link to “The Twelve Days of Christmas”. Holmes races against time to save French Hens, find Gold Rings, and rescue Mother Goose, facing mortal danger along the way. With the help of Dr Watson and detective Athena Faversham, Holmes aims to solve the mystery. Ker and Reed will take on the roles of Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson respectively, alongside John Kearns as Inspector Lestrade and Margaret Cabourn-Smith. Completing the cast are Christian Andrews (Operation Mincemeat) as Fafner, Susan Harrison (Class Dismissed) as Ernie, Cameron Johnson (Here We Are) as Arthur Stone, Amanda Lindgren (Six) in the Chorus, Mia Overfield (Demon Dentist) in the chorus, Andrew Pugsley (Showstopper: The Improvised Musical) as Wotan, Chomba S Taulo (The Book of Mormon) in the chorus, Deborah Tracey (Mrs Phelps) as Queen Victoria and Helena Wilson (The Estate) as Athena Faversham. The full creative team is Breen with Hope-Palmer (direction), with Mark Bailey (designer), Anna Watson (lighting designer), John Rigby (musical supervision), Christopher Mundy (musical direction), Georgina Lamb (movement), Renny Krupinksi (fights), Chris Fisher and Will Houston (illusions), and Helena Palmer (casting).
• Marie and Rosetta – George Brant’s musical play will open in the West End at @sohoplace from 28 February 2026 and will run until 11 April, Directed by Monique Touko, the play stars Beverley Knight reprising her role as gospel and rock pioneer Sister Rosetta Tharpe, alongside Ntombizodwa Ndlovu as Marie Knight, who makes her West End debut. The production features live music, with songs including “Didn’t It Rain” and “Peace in the Valley.” Jonathan Church Theatre Productions and Chichester Festival Theatre, in association with Nica Burns, will present the West End premiere of the Rose Theatre, Chichester Festival Theatre and ETT production. The creative team includes Jodie-Simone Howe (costume designer), Kloé Dean (movement director), Tony Gayle (sound designer), Bethan Clark (intimacy director), Joel Trill (voice and dialect coach), Jordi M Carter (associate director) and Shirley Teteh (musical director and guitar).